The best carbon fiber tripods are strong as well as lightweight. And we guide you through a range of options going over their positives and negatives. This will help ensure you find the tripod on our list that is the perfect match for you!
Our top choice is the Manfrotto Befree Advanced carbon fiber tripod. This is thanks to its lightweight features and strong, durable body.
What Is the Best Carbon Fiber Tripod?
The best carbon fiber tripod should have sturdy, lightweight construction. But there are other helpful features to look for.
Adjustable locking legs for varying height and stability. A reversible center column for low-angle shooting. And a ball head with a quick-release plate for easy camera attachment and removal is ideal too.
Here is a quick roundup table of our favorite carbon fiber tripods! Read on below to find out more about each tripod in depth.
- Maximum portability and stability
- Lightweight and compact
- Sturdy carbon fibre construction
- Smooth, precise ball head
- Quick, easy setup
- Versatile and durable
- Lightweight and compact
- Superior stability and strength
- Quick and easy setup
- Unique design and colors
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to setup and use
- Modular design for custom setups
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable use
- Supports up to 66 lb / 30 kg of equipment
- Carbon fiber construction for lightweight and durable support
- Easy to set up and adjust
- Quick release camera plate for easy mounting
- Adjustable leg angles for flexible positioning
- Maximum carrying capacity of 15.4 lb / 7 kg
- Lightweight carbon fiber tripod
- Smooth pan and tilt movements
- Quick-release camera plate
- Adjustable legs with rubber feet
- Supports up to 33.1 lb / 15 kg equipment
- Lightweight carbon fibre construction
- Smooth and precise operation
- Compact folding design
- Easy to transport
- Supports up to 25.1 lb / 12 kg
- Affordable price point
- Easy to set up and use
- Flexible tripod legs
- Includes smartphone adapter
- Lightweight and compact
- Lightweight carbon fiber construction
- Quick-release system
- Maximum stability and strength
- Adjustable tripod mount
- Works with most standard cameras
- Lightweight carbon fiber construction
- Quick-release system for easy set-up and breakdown
- Multi-angle central column for low-angle shooting
- Maximum flexibility for shooting angles
- Supports up to 15.4 lb / 7 kg of gear
9 Best Carbon Fiber Tripods
1. Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber
| Brand |
Brand
Manfrotto
|
| Weight |
Weight
2.8 lb / 1.25 kg
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
59 inches / 150 cm
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
16 inches / 40.6 cm
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
19.8 lb / 9 kg
|
| Head Type |
Head Type
Ball head
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Strong for its weight
|
| Best For |
Best For
Travel photographers who need a reliable tripod
|
The Manfrotto Befree Advanced is the best carbon fiber tripod on the market. Manfrotto is renowned for its great durability. This is an important factor when considering carbon fiber tripods.
Manfrotto has produced a high-performance tripod with maximum lightness. It has kept high stability and rigidity standards while still being incredibly portable.
It weighs 2.8 lb (1.25 kg), which is considerably lower than average aluminum tripods. It makes this a perfect travel tripod. It would suit most genres of photography that involve carrying a tripod around for an extended time.
This tripod comes with a ball head. It is a great tripod head to start with. But if you want a different one, Manfrotto has plenty of head options.
The tripod can hold up to 19.8 lb (9 kg) worth of payload. This is almost 6x the weight of the tripod itself! Specs like this make the Befree Advanced carbon fiber tripod trustworthy even in unfavorable conditions.
2. Benro MeFoto Roadtrip Pro
| Brand |
Brand
Benro
|
| Weight |
Weight
3.6 lb / 1.64 kg
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
61 inches / 155 cm
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
15.6 inches / 39.6 cm
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
17.6 lb / 8 kg
|
| Head Type |
Head Type
Ball head
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
6-in-1 design
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want a range of tripod functions
|
The Benro MeFoto Roadtrip Pro comes in at a close second place thanks to its multi-functionality. Benro claims the tripod has 6-in-1 capabilities. You can disassemble the tripod into a monopod, selfie stick, tabletop tripod, and more!
This great design allows multiple shooting styles from a simple setup. Even the tripod plate has been tailored to provide maximum versatility. It can fold out to give you a confident clutch onto your smartphone. These features are ideal for those who work with social media regularly.
You can also adjust the tripod head. It has a ball head. But it lets you change between pan or ball lock with one simple switch. This is extremely helpful in taking smooth panoramas or sweeping shots on video.
I also like the electric blue the tripod comes in, as it isn’t too overwhelming. If you’re a wildlife photographer worried about the intense color, don’t worry! The tripod also comes in silver.
The MeFoto Roadtrip Pro is ideal if you’re a photographer who works across various genres and platforms.
3. 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0
| Brand |
Brand
3 Legged Thing
|
| Weight |
Weight
3.4 lb / 1.52 kg
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
53.9 inches / 137 cm
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
8 inches / 20.3 cm
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
66 lb / 30 kg
|
| Head Type |
Head Type
Ball head
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Shortest fold down size
|
| Best For |
Best For
Travel photographers
|
The 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 finds its way onto this list as it is an ultra-compact tripod with a lightweight body. It is an award-winning tripod, and it’s not surprising to see why.
The construction of the tripod is simple and efficient. No parts on the tripod unnecessarily add extra weight. 3 Legged Thing has made the tripod legs detachable for customization and ease of use.
With a low weight and a small fold-down size, this could be the perfect travel tripod you have been looking for. It folds to 37 cm, and you can even transport the tripod in a carry-on bag.
Also, if you like shooting low down, 3 Legged Thing makes foot attachments that screw onto the main body. These allow you to shoot 4.7 inches (12 cm) from the ground!
Leo 2.0 allows you to screw and adjust each movable component. It is nice to see that there is even an extendable option for the center column.
The tripod head is a ball head that allows you to switch between ball or pan mode. All-in-all, the tripod is a great success and finds its footing among the big tripod brands on this list.
4. Manfrotto 055 Pro 4 Carbon Fiber
| Brand |
Brand
Manfrotto
|
| Weight |
Weight
4.6 lb / 2.1 kg
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
66.9 inches / 170 cm
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
3.5 inches / 9 cm
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
15.4 lb / 7 kg
|
| Head Type |
Head Type
None
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
90-degree shooting
|
| Best For |
Best For
Product or studio photographers who want a reliable tripod
|
The Manfrotto 055 Pro 4 carbon fiber tripod is worth considering if you never want to buy another tripod again. I am a big fan of Manfrotto tripods and use one similar to this.
This carbon fiber tripod weighs 4.6 lb (2.1kg) and can carry up to 15.4 lb (7 kg) of camera equipment. One of its most noticeable features is the quick-lock system it uses to extend the legs. This tripod is your answer if you are fed up with screw locks.
My favorite feature of this tripod is that you can shoot at 90 degrees with the center column! This incredible feature has made my life a hundred times easier while on set. It is especially good for shooting products or even for scientific photographic purposes.
Another feature I like is the spirit level that can freely rotate around the tripod head. This is handy because whichever way you attach your camera, you can always see if the tripod is level.
The 055 Pro 4 carbon fiber tripod is for photographers who need a dependable tripod that can easily perform simple tasks. It can’t transform into a monopod. But photographers will rarely want to stray from this three-legged setup.
5. Vanguard VEO T3+ 265HCBP
| Brand |
Brand
Vanguard
|
| Weight |
Weight
4.85 lb / 2.2 kg
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
61.4 / 156 cm
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
Ground level
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
33.1 lb / 15 kg
|
| Head Type |
Head Type
None
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Incredible maneuverability
|
| Best For |
Best For
Creative, experimental, or home studio photographers
|
The Vanguard VEO T3+ 265HCBP is a fantastic carbon fiber tripod. It combines a compact body and versatility into one. Weighing only 4.85 lb (2.2 kg), it can carry up to 33.1 lb (15 kg) securely. And this isn’t all it has to offer!
It is the most maneuverable tripod we have on this list. Tripods like this can be a lifesaver when shooting in difficult environments. These are best suited to people who may have to shoot in makeshift home portrait studios or regular households.
The main feature is its multi-angle central column. This lets you move the column 360 degrees, giving you complete control over the camera’s angle. This can be crucial for many photo genres. Fine art photography, documentary photography, and self-portraiture all benefit.
You can adjust the center column to parallel the ground and put on another tripod head! This helps with event photography or studio shoots with two camera angles.
Another great feature of the VEO T3+ 265HCBP is that you can convert one of the tripod legs into a monopod. This is a welcome feature for sports or wildlife photographers.
Overall, the tripod gives you unlimited possibilities in a lightweight model. It is the perfect tripod for anyone who wants to experiment with different photography.
6. Gitzo Series 2 Traveler
| Brand |
Brand
Gitzo
|
| Weight |
Weight
2.9 lb / 1.3 kg
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
60.8 inches / 154.5 cm
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
8.7 inches / 22 cm
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
25.5.1 lb / 12 kg
|
| Head Type |
Head Type
Ball head
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Strong and stiff makeup
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professional landscape photographers
|
Now we have the Gitzo Series 2 Traveler carbon fiber tripod! This is one of the most expensive tripods on this list. It weighs only 2.9 lb (1.3 kg) and can hold up to 25.5 lb (12 kg).
Gitzo claims this is one of the strongest pro tripods for its weight category. And I can’t disagree. The main qualities you will find with Gitzo tripods are strength and stiffness. This is ideal for landscape cameras that rely on a stiff tripod to take long exposures.
It may not be the most compact tripod on its list. But it is one of the most simply designed. The reversible-folding legs reduce the tripod’s length. And it keeps your tripod head safe while traveling.
This is a great tripod for professional photographers. It is especially for those who need to reduce tripod weight as much as possible while retaining strength.
Because it is directed at professionals, it comes with a professional price tag. So I recommend beginners stay away as other tripods give you what you need for less. But if you are looking for a rugged, reliable tripod, no matter the price, then the Series 2 Traveler tripod is for you!
7. Vanguard VEO 3 Go 204CB
| Brand |
Brand
Vanguard
|
| Weight |
Weight
3.1 lb / 1.4 kg
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
65.6 inches / 166.5 cm
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
13 inches / 33 cm
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
6.6 lb / 3 kg
|
| Head Type |
Head Type
T-45
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Versatile setups and remote
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginner photographers who want a great all-around tripod
|
The Vanguard VEO 3 Go 204CB is a relatively cheap tripod that helps you get great results. It is another versatile tripod from Vanguard. And it lets photographers experiment in whichever way they like. You can disassemble and reassemble the tripod in various ways.
The tripod head is similar to the Benro MeFoto Roadtrip Pro, which turns into a holder for your smartphone. There is even a remote trigger that comes with the tripod. And with this feature, you can even turn the tripod into a selfie stick!
This is one of the great advantages of a carbon fiber tripod. Most tripod legs would be too heavy to hold up as a selfie stick. And if the tripod can turn into a selfie stick, you can also use it as a monopod!
One of the more creative options is turning the center column upside down. This allows you to get as close to the floor as possible. And don’t worry about the image being upside down. You can always adjust this later in post-processing.
My favorite aspect about the Vanguard VEO 3 Go 204CB is its price. All these amazing features are available for an entry-level price. And you’re not getting a rubbish piece of kit! I suggest this tripod to beginner photographers and other creatives.
8. Peak Design Travel
| Brand |
Brand
Peak Design
|
| Weight |
Weight
2.8 lb / 1.29 kg
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
60 inches / 152.4 cm
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
5.5 inches / 14 cm
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
20.1 lb / 9.1 kg
|
| Head Type |
Head Type
None
|
| Key Key Features |
Key Key Features
Center column hook
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want a clean aesthetic
|
The Peak Design Travel carbon fiber tripod has the sleekest, most stylish design on our list. It is a shame that its price reflects this. It is a big turn-off. But if you are willing to splash out on a tripod, you will be rewarded with great professional features.
One of my favorite features is the hook below the center column. This is aimed at professionals. It allows you to hang weights off the tripod, giving it much more stability. This is particularly helpful in windy environments or when you use a long exposure.
The tripod head can be used for smartphones. And I like how well the tripod collapses. Plus, each leg has five different sections that fold out. This means the last legs tend to be quite thin. Peak Design has taken the right steps to ensure this tripod is as stable as possible.
Peak Design has thought of everything with its carbon fiber travel tripod.
9. Vanguard Alta Pro 2 263CT
| Brand |
Brand
Vanguard
|
| Weight |
Weight
4.7 lb / 2.15 kg
|
| Maximum Height |
Maximum Height
68.2 inches / 173.2 cm
|
| Minimum Height |
Minimum Height
7.3 inches / 18.4 cm
|
| Max Load Capacity |
Max Load Capacity
15.4 lb / 7 kg
|
| Head Type |
Head Type
None
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Multi-angle centre column
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want an all-round tripod
|
This is an award-winning tripod, and it’s not hard to see why! It has a durable construction and well-thought-out features. This makes it worth consideration for any photographer. And its price tag isn’t too expensive, considering it is made of carbon fiber.
The Vanguard Alta Pro 2 263CT is another great multi-functional tripod from Vanguard. Its key feature is its multi-angle center column.
This allows the tripod to hold your camera steady at any angle you want! A feature like this is crucial for many types of photography. It’s especially helpful for those who require creative angles like product photography.
My favorite features are the two spirit levels around the tripod. And the tripod head is also an easy-to-use and reliable piece of equipment.
The only reason the Alta Pro 2 263CT is placed low on this list is that there are other newer iterations available. Nonetheless, it is still worth considering, especially at its reduced price.
Buyer’s Guide: FAQs
Here are some common questions we get about carbon fiber tripods. We hope our answers help you make a more informed choice.
Is a Carbon Fiber Tripod More Durable Than An Aluminum or Metal Tripod?
Yes. Carbon fiber is an extremely strong material that should perform to a higher standard than aluminum or metal. It is also more lightweight than these materials. These two qualities make it the ideal material for constructing a tripod.
Is a Carbon Fiber Tripod Waterproof?
Yes. Most of these tripods will withstand rainy conditions. But it is best not to leave your tripod in the rain for too long as the joints may become stiff.
Why Are Carbon Fiber Tripods More Expensive?
Carbon fiber tripods are more expensive as they are made with high-quality material. Carbon fiber is also lighter and stronger than aluminum, the standard tripod material.
Conclusion: The Best Carbon Fiber Tripod
The Manfrotto Befree Advanced is the best carbon fiber tripod on the market. Its high-quality construction, lightweight portability, and versatile design make it stand out.
The tripod is also easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for photographers of all skill levels. And with its superior stability, it is perfect for capturing stunning images in any environment. It is the ideal choice for a reliable and durable carbon fiber tripod.
